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Hairy-eyed flower fly

Hairy-eyed flower fly

Syrphus torvus

A species of Syrphus

External images. For terms, see: Morphology of Diptera. Eyes have numerous hairs, in male, long and dense, in female shorter. Femora 3 is black on basal 3/4. The male genitalia and the larva are illustrated by Dusek and Laska (1964). See references for determination.

General Info About Hairy-eyed flower fly
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Attributes of Hairy-eyed flower fly
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Red
Habitat
Palearctic: Greenland and Fennoscandia southward to Iberia and the Mediterranean basin through Europe into Turkey and European Russia. Also from Urals eastward to Siberia and the Russian Far East to the Pacific coast (Kuril Isles) and Japan. Indomalaya Formosa, Northern India, Nepal, and Thailand.
Nearctic: from Alaska southward to New Mexico. Migratory. Large numbers of hoverflies of this species and of Metasyrphus sp. have been observed on Mount McKinley (Denali) in the Rocky Mountains at altitudes of 5,000 metres (16,000 ft) at the head of the Kahiltna Glacier.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, pollen from flowers, honeydew, sugar-rich substances
Larva Food Source
Aphids, small caterpillars, thrips, scale insects, other soft-bodied insects
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Hairy-eyed flower fly feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Hairy-eyed flower fly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Hairy-eyed flower fly
Palearctic: Greenland and Fennoscandia southward to Iberia and the Mediterranean basin through Europe into Turkey and European Russia. Also from Urals eastward to Siberia and the Russian Far East to the Pacific coast (Kuril Isles) and Japan. Indomalaya Formosa, Northern India, Nepal, and Thailand. Nearctic: from Alaska southward to New Mexico. Migratory. Large numbers of hoverflies of this species and of Metasyrphus sp. have been observed on Mount McKinley (Denali) in the Rocky Mountains at altitudes of 5,000 metres (16,000 ft) at the head of the Kahiltna Glacier.
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Life Cycle of Hairy-eyed flower fly
Egg The embryonic development of hairy-eyed flower fly occurs within the egg, resulting in a larva that is vastly different from the adult. The eggs are usually laid near food sources and are tiny, oval, and often pale-colored.
Larva During this stage, hairy-eyed flower fly exhibits rapid growth and molting. The larva lacks wings and resembles a small worm. It is primarily focused on feeding and growth, undergoing several instars with size increases at each molt.
Pupal In the pupal stage, hairy-eyed flower fly is inactive and undergoes significant transformation. Enclosed in a puparium, it reshapes its organs and body structures. The pupa may exhibit different colors as it matures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult hairy-eyed flower fly’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Hairy-eyed flower fly Larvae
Beetles, ants, wasps, birds
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Scientific Classification of Hairy-eyed flower fly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Genus
Syrphus
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Tips for Finding Hairy-eyed flower fly
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Youth Habitat of Hairy-eyed flower fly
Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Habitat Preferences of Hairy-eyed flower fly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of hairy-eyed flower fly are typically laid on leaves infested with aphids, where they hatch into larvae that feed on these pests. To find them, one must search the undersides of leaves in gardens or fields where aphids are present. As pupae, hairy-eyed flower fly often attach themselves to foliage or other structures nearby, waiting to emerge as adults. To locate pupae, one should examine stems, leaves, or even the bark of trees. The adult hairy-eyed flower fly, a proficient flier, is frequently found in the same general areas, often visiting flowers to feed on nectar and pollen. Flower heads, particularly those in sunny locations, are the best places to look for adult hairy-eyed flower fly.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Hairy-eyed flower fly
The best time to find adult hairy-eyed flower fly is on warm, sunny days when they are active and seeking flowers for feeding. Larvae might be found during cooler parts of the day, hidden within leaf litter or under rocks.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Hairy-eyed flower fly
Warm, clear weather is most suitable for finding adult hairy-eyed flower fly, while overcast days with some humidity can be good for finding larvae or eggs in more covered or damp environments.
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How and Where Can You Find Hairy-eyed flower fly at Different Life Stages
Egg Hairy-eyed flower fly eggs are tiny, oval, and typically laid on leaves or within plant tissues, close to aphid colonies. To find them, inspect the undersides of leaves in areas with known aphid problems.
Larva Larvae of hairy-eyed flower fly resemble little worms or caterpillars and are voracious predators of aphids. Look for them on plant stems and leaves in gardens, especially where aphids are present.
Pupal Pupae of hairy-eyed flower fly are usually found attached to leaves or stems, or within the leaf litter. They can be found by carefully examining the base of plants and the leaf litter in areas where larvae have been observed.
Adult Adult hairy-eyed flower fly resemble bees or wasps and can be seen hovering near flowers. They are often found in gardens, meadows, or anywhere with a variety of flowering plants. Look for them feeding on nectar in the middle of the day when temperatures are warmest.
Are Hairy-eyed flower fly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Hairy-eyed flower fly
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Hairy-eyed flower fly is an efficient pollinator, often seen hovering around flowers of Asteraceae and fruit trees. Attracted by the vivid colors and sweet scents, it feeds on pollen and nectar. While feeding, pollen sticks to its body and is inadvertently transferred to other flowers, aiding in cross-pollination.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Hairy-eyed flower fly larvae are well known for their voracious appetite for aphids, making them beneficial in the biological control of these pests. They actively search for aphid colonies and can consume hundreds during their development, thereby reducing the populations of these harmful pests on crops and ornamental plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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